Having a baby in the Philippines? Hospital, midwife, delivery and IVF costs

TransferWise

27.07.18

6 minute read

When you’re expecting a newborn, life can be both wonderful and stressful at the same time. This is especially true if you’re on leave as a foreigner or non-resident in another country, no matter if you’re simply a long-term visitor, a tourist, or permanent expat. Medical expenses for prenatal and maternity care can be tricky. This guide will help you navigate what to expect when you’re expecting in the Philippines.

How much does in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cost in the Philippines?

Across the country, about 1 in 10 Filipinos struggle with infertility. Due to these rates, it’s no surprise that the use of IVF has become more common over the past few decades. But it’s not cheap, and most government subsidies won’t cover it.

Can a non-resident or visitor on a visa go through IVF or fertility treatment? Is medical tourism a thing in the Philippines?

Medical tourism, or traveling abroad for medical procedures, is alive and well in the Philippines. The country ranks 8th in the world as the most popular destination for medical tourism. Among the various common medical services sought by tourists or visitors are IVF procedures and fertility treatments. Most of the hospitals catering to foreign IVF patients are in the country’s capital, Manila.

Is there any type of financial assistance or health insurance that will cover part or all of the IVF procedure in the Philippines?

There are no Filipino public or private health insurance carriers that cover IVF treatments. However, various expat or foreign private health insurers may cover the procedures. Different IVF treatment centers may also be able to provide financial assistance if it’s needed. It’s best to check with your own private insurance carrier for IVF coverage for more options.

For more information on IVF and fertility treatments in the Philippines

How much does having a baby cost in the Philippines with or without insurance?

Having a baby in the Philippines can be costly, with or without health insurance. Filipinos have access to universal health coverage through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth. This state-sponsored insurance offers plans that cover hospital deliveries and homebirth and midwifery clinics. Here are some average costs:

(Public hospital) Total average hospital bill for a regular birth:₱15,000 - ₱20,000

(Public hospital) Total average hospital bill with a c-section: ₱ 25,000

(Private hospital) Total average hospital bill for a regular birth: ₱40,000 to ₱50,000

(Private hospital) Total average hospital bill with a c-section: ₱80,000 to ₱250,000

Can a non-resident or visitor on a tourist or other visa deliver a baby in the Philippines? Is birth tourism a thing in the Philippines?

If you’re a foreign or non-resident visitor or tourist, you’re allowed to give birth in a Filipino hospital. Expats tend to prefer hospitals over home births, due to the higher standards of care in facilities. There are certain hospitals that foreigners prefer, as they are hospitals with Western standards of care - St. Luke’s and Makati Medical Centre are two of them.

Birth tourism in the Philippines isn’t really popular; it’s not generally noted to be one of the countries that people travel to for medical reasons when pregnant.

Average costs of delivering a baby in the Philippines

Long-term foreign residents or expats have access to the state-sponsored health coverage, PhilHealth, which will cover delivery and prenatal treatment for all mothers who will give birth soon.

There’s also a difference in costs between using public or private hospitals, as the latter will likely cost more for delivery services. Most government hospitals have a fairly high standard of operating, just as private hospitals do, but private hospitals will have higher-grade technologies and facilities. Expect to find private hospitals in all the key cities throughout the country.

Baby delivery medical procedures in the Philippines

Average cost without insurance (PHP)

Average cost with insurance (PHP)

Prenatal doctor visit and care

₱700 - ₱1,250 per month

Free after payment of annual premium of ₱2,400

Prenatal ultrasound

₱1,150 - ₱4,000

Free after payment of annual premium of ₱2,400

Birth and delivery in the hospital

₱15,000 - ₱100,000

Free after payment of annual premium of ₱2,400

Cesarean section in the hospital

₱80,000 - ₱170,000

Free after payment of annual premium of ₱2,400, if done at an accredited hospital

Home birth and delivery with midwife

Discouraged

Discouraged

What’s the average stay in a Filipino hospital like after having a baby?

Lately, home births are discouraged, as the Department of Health attempts to implement reforms that lower maternal and neonatal mortality. This policy is somewhat controversial, but it means that most mothers attempt to reach a hospital or medical facility when they’re nearing labour.

Average hospital stay for new moms in the Philippines

If there are no complications, a hospital stay is usually 2 days. With a Caesarian section, you’ll probably have to stay 1-2 days more, as it’s a more complex procedure.

Items moms need to bring to the hospital when delivering a baby

Here are some items you might want to bring to the hospital when you’re about to give birth:

Any labour aids

A robe or gown

A camera

Snacks

Information sheets

What documents do I need to have a baby in the Philippines?

When you give birth, bring the following documents to the hospital:

A hospital admission form

An OB admission slip

Birth Class Certificate

A maternity benefit form, if applicable

Photo IDs for you and your partner

A marriage certificate (if applicable)

PhilHealth or HMO Claim Forms

How do I register my baby in the Philippines?

In most cases, the hospital will submit your registration directly to the city hall and the National Statistics Office, which issues birth certificates. Once this process has occurred, you can phone the office and request a birth certificate through the post, or you can visit in-person. There is a small issuance fee.

If I am not an Philippine national but have a baby in the Philippines, will my child have to choose between nationalities or will they get Filipino citizenship?

If your child is born in the Philippines and one parent is a Filipino citizen, then your baby is automatically a citizen of the Philippines. The government does officially recognise dual citizenship.

How long is maternity leave in the Philippines? What about paternity leave?

Working mothers are eligible for 120 days of maternity leave and up to 150 days of leave if they're single mothers. Fathers are eligible for up to 7 days of paternity leave for the first 4 legitimate deliveries of his legitimate spouse.

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Becoming a new parent in the Philippines is a complicated process, so it’s that much more important to do your research ahead of time. Refer back to this guide when you need a resource for addressing your questions and concerns.